Newb Question--Shackles

[redrr]

I got a 98 Sport that i am trying to put 2" shackles on. The problem is the bolt that goes through the frame is stuck. I assume that it rusted to the sleave of the bushing it goes through. Now my question is, do i just burn out the bushing and get new ones or is there another way? How hard are the sleaves to get out once you burn the bushing? i tryed to soak it with penetrating oil and hitting it with a hammer, but the bolt goes inside out so i can only swing the hammer like 5 inches. I cant get a good swing at it.

 

[Mounty 09]

I had the same problem when I did mine. I ended up using a air chissle. It took a bit of time but it finaly came out.

 

[DeRocha]

It took me a good 4 hours to remove those PITA shackle bolts and bushings. This was with using a 1000ft/lb impact gun, torch, 4' breaker bar, cut off wheels, and a press. Did you get the nut off the bolt? If so can you turn the bolt at all? I would heat the bolt until it is cherry red. This will expand the metal and help loosen any rust. I would then cool the bolt down soak it in penetrating oil and use a breaker bar along with a 3-4 foot cheater pipe to apply lots of force to try and break the bolt free.. Once it spins free you can then try and drive it out. In my case I ended up cutting the head of the bolt completely off. I then used an air hammer to drive the bolt out from the inside of the frame outward (I removed the spare tire for greater access).

Because of tools involved it may be cost & time effective to bring it to a local garage (not dealership) and see what they would charge to remove the shackle bolts..

 

[redrr]

i have all neccessary tools to do it. I just wanted to know what people were doing. I refuse to take it to a garage. Thanks for the help.

 

[DeRocha]

i have all neccessary tools to do it. I just wanted to know what people were doing. I refuse to take it to a garage. Thanks for the help.

As for burning the bushings they smolder more than burn depending on how much heat is applied (the more heat the better)... Before burning I would use a rotary tool and carve out as much of the rubber bushing as possible since burning can be a slow process. Once the bushing is gone your will then need to drive/press out the metal bushing shell.

Please don't take offense at my suggestion that you, or anyone bring their vehicle in for repairs (I would prefer people do all their own work). Often people will attempt a certain fix (that appears quick and easy) and become engulfed in a weekend long project that ends up costing more $$ and time in the end. As such paying $20 to a local garage to remove the bolts is an attractive alternative.

 

[redrr]

Just finished putting them on and the tt. I used an air hammer and some patience and they came out. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Mounty 09]

No problem. Got any pics of it all done.

 

[DeRocha]

Just finished putting them on and the tt. I used an air hammer and some patience and they came out. Thanks for all the help.

Glad to hear you got them out.. I didn't think you had air tools since you mentioned trying to manually hammer them in your first post. How long did it take to drive them out and any other suggestions for other people about to tackle this job? Also did you replace the bushings, or did you just drive out the old bolts and replace them with new ones? Applying a good amount of Anti-Seize to the bolt helps keep it in rust free condition for many years to come

I tryed to soak it with penetrating oil and hitting it with a hammer, but the bolt goes inside out so i can only swing the hammer like 5 inches. I cant get a good swing at it.